Safety shield

ABSTRACT

A safety shield including a protective device is provided including a piercing member having a proximal end, a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis. A clip defines a first cavity dimensioned for movement of the piercing member therethrough and is oriented in an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first cavity is movable between a movable orientation and a binding orientation. The clip includes a first leg that defines a second cavity dimensioned for movement of the piercing member therethrough and a distal part being configured to engage a medical device. The clip further includes a second leg having a bearing surface that engages the piercing member. The legs are biased for convergent movement such that the first cavity is disposed in the binding orientation and the distal part of the first leg disengages the medical device.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of medicalassemblies for the administration of fluids, and more particularly, tosafety shields that prevent hazardous exposure to a medical piercingmember.

2. Description of the Related Art

Problems associated with inadvertent sticks and punctures fromtraditional non-safety medical devices are well known in the art offluid administration, which includes fluid sampling, percutaneousmedication injection and other medical procedures involving the use ofmedical piercing members such as, for example, hypodermic needles,biopsy needles, intravenous (IV) introducers, trocars, guide wires,thoracentesis needles, etc. Significant attention is focused on healthrisks associated with hazardous needle exposure due to the contemporarysensitivity of exposure to AIDS, Hepatitis and other blood-bornepathogens. These risks are some of the most prevalent occupationalhealth hazards among health care professionals. These professionals arein danger of contracting such blood-borne pathogens from infectedpatients by inadvertent sticks from a contaminated needle of atraditional non-safety medical device, for example, employed duringmedical, dental, laboratory, etc. procedures.

Attempts to overcome health hazards associated with inadvertent orundesired stick from a contaminated piercing member have produced avariety of shielding devices. In the case of a medical needle, some ofthese devices utilize a separate shielding cap mounted over the needleafter use, while other devices employ pivoting shields, extensibleshields, etc. These devices may disadvantageously require thepractitioner to use both hands to implement their protective components.These designs can also be relatively complicated and time consuming inuse.

Extending shields have the burden of additional length, increasing theneed for additional space when using the device. Other designs provideretractable devices that may require considerable additional length, ascompared to a traditional non-safety device, to provide a concealmentchamber for the contaminated piercing member. Another disadvantage ofthe retractable device is the necessity to manually activate the safetyfeature. The imposing length and additional manipulation of this systemmake retractable systems unsuitable for directly replacing non-safetymedical devices.

Still other designs employ a clip that requires deformation of thepiercing member or abutment of the tip of the piercing member to providesafety. These types of structures can be prone to unreliable motion dueto their arrangements. Additionally, the safety feature of the such clipdevices may be easily overcome, allowing re-exposure of the tip.

Therefore, it would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages anddrawbacks of the prior art with a safety shield that reduces theoccurrence of inadvertent or undesired stick from a contaminatedpiercing member while reducing exposure to pathogens. It would bedesirable if the safety shield could prevent hazardous exposure whileproviding a robust system similar in size, feel, and usability totraditional non-safety devices. It would be highly desirable if thesafety shield could be employed with various needle based devices. It iscontemplated that the safety shield is easily and efficientlymanufactured.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a safety shield is provided that reduces the occurrence ofinadvertent or undesired stick from a contaminated piercing member andreduces exposure to pathogens to overcome the disadvantages anddrawbacks of the prior art. Desirably, such a safety shield preventshazardous exposure while providing a robust system similar in size,feel, and usability to traditional non-safety devices. Most desirably,the safety shield can be employed with various needle based devices. Thesafety shield is easily and efficiently manufactured and assembled. Thepresent disclosure resolves related disadvantages and drawbacksexperienced in the art.

The present disclosure provides a robust safety shield that protects acontaminated sharp. The safety shield can be configured similar totraditional non-safety devices in size, feel, and usability. The safetyshield is suitable for many types of needle-based devices. The safetyshield of the present disclosure achieves many advantages includingincreased sensitivity by maintaining a minimal cannula and housinglength such that use of the safety shield is comparable to that of atraditional non-safety product. The safety shield also provides improvedaccess as the safety mechanism is embedded within the hub, requiring nosignificant change in overall size of the device as compared to anon-safety product. The safety shield automatically releases thecatheter hub from the needle. After inserting the needle into thepatient, the needle is concealed by, for example, a catheter/hubassembly until it is drawn into the protective device of the safetyshield.

Another advantage of the safety shield is that no additionalmanipulation is required. There is no need to push buttons or moveslides to activate the safety features. Normal vessel puncturetechniques automatically activate the safety shield.

In one particular embodiment, in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure, a safety shield including a protective device isprovided including a piercing member having a proximal end, a distal endand defining a longitudinal axis. A clip defines a first cavitydimensioned for movement of the piercing member therethrough and beingoriented in an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the piercingmember. The first cavity is movable between a movable orientation and abinding orientation. The clip includes a first leg that defines a secondcavity dimensioned for movement of the piercing member therethrough anda distal part being configured to engage a medical device. The clipfurther includes a second leg having a bearing surface that engages thepiercing member. The first leg and the second leg are biased forconvergent movement such that the first cavity is disposed in thebinding orientation and the distal part of the first leg disengages themedical device. The medical device can include a catheter.

The first cavity may be rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis ofthe piercing member. The first cavity can define a binding surface thatengages the piercing member in the binding orientation. The piercingmember can be disposed within the cavity of the first leg to preventconvergent movement of the legs. The first cavity can include a slot.

Alternatively, the clip further includes a plate that defines the firstcavity and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the legs. Theplate may be rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the piercingmember, between a sliding orientation and a binding orientation wherebya surface of the plate that defines the cavity engages the piercingmember to prevent slidable movement thereof. The first leg may have aproximal part that is oriented substantially perpendicular to thetransverse axis of the first cavity in the movable orientation. Thesecond leg may have a proximal part that is oriented substantiallyperpendicular to the transverse axis of the first cavity in the movableorientation. The bearing surface of the second leg may engage thepiercing member in the binding orientation to prevent movement of thepiercing member. The cavity of the plate can include a slotconfiguration. The plate may have a greater relative rigidity than thelegs.

The distal part of the first leg may include a transverse portion thatdefines the second cavity. The distal part of the first leg mayalternatively include an arm configured to releasably retain the medicaldevice. The distal part of the second leg may include a bearing surfacethat engages the piercing member. The legs can be resiliently biased forconvergent movement such that the first cavity is disposed in thebinding orientation and the distal part of the first leg disengages themedical device. The distal part of the first leg can include an arm thatis configured to releasably retain the medical device with the outersurface of the housing.

Alternatively, the protective device includes a housing that supportsthe clip. The housing has an outer surface and may be movable between aretracted position whereby the distal end of the piercing member isexposed and an extended position whereby the housing encloses the distalend of the piercing member. The clip may releasably retain the medicaldevice with the housing. The housing may be substantially transparent.The housing can include a flash chamber.

The clip may include a transition portion that connects the plate withthe first leg. The transition portion is configured to engage an innersurface of the housing to facilitate rotation of the cavity of theplate. The transition portion may engage an inner surface of the housingto facilitate gripping engagement of the cavity of the plate with theneedle.

In an alternate embodiment, the first leg and the second leg are biasedfor convergent movement such that the first cavity is disposed in thebinding orientation and the distal part of the first leg disengages fromthe second leg and a medical device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one particular embodiment of a safetyshield in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the safety shield shown in FIG. 1 withparts separated;

FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view of a clip and needle of the safety shieldshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective cutaway view of the clip and needle shown inFIG. 3, in a movable orientation;

FIG. 5 is a perspective cutaway view of the clip and needle shown inFIG. 3, in a binding orientation;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-section cutaway view of the safety shield shownin FIG. 1, in a movable orientation;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-section cutaway view of the safety shield shownin FIG. 1, in a binding orientation;

FIG. 8 an enlarged perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theclip shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 an enlarged perspective view of another alternate embodiment ofthe clip shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 an enlarged perspective view of another alternate embodiment ofthe clip shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a side cutaway view of an alternate embodiment of the clipand needle shown in FIG. 3, in a movable orientation;

FIG. 12 is a side cutaway view of the clip and needle shown in FIG. 11,in a binding orientation;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view of the indicated area of detail shownin FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of the indicated area of detail shownin FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side cutaway view of an alternate embodiment of the clipand needle shown in FIG. 3, in a movable orientation;

FIG. 16 is a top cutaway view of the clip shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side cutaway view of the clip and needle shown in FIG. 15,in a binding orientation; and

FIG. 18 is a top cutaway view of the clip shown in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary embodiments of the safety shield and methods of operationdisclosed are discussed in terms of medical piercing members such as,for example, hypodermic needles, biopsy needles, intravenous (IV)introducers, trocars, guide wires, thoracentesis needles, etc. forinfusion of intravenous fluids, medication infusion or fluid sampling,and more particularly, in terms of a safety shield employed with aneedle cannula that prevents hazardous exposure to a needle tip,including, for example, inadvertent needle sticks. It is envisioned thatthe present disclosure, however, finds application to a wide variety ofcannula needles and devices for the infusion of preventive medications,medicaments, therapeutics, etc. to a subject. It is also envisioned thatthe present disclosure may be employed for collection of body fluidsincluding those employed during procedures relating to phlebotomy,digestive, intestinal, urinary, veterinary, etc. It is contemplated thatthe safety shield may be utilized with other medical needle applicationsincluding, but not limited to, fluid infusion, fluid collection,catheters, catheter introducers, guidewire introducers, spinal andepidural, biopsy, aphaeresis, dialysis, blood donor, Veress needles,Huber needles, etc.

In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” refers to a portionof a structure that is closer to a clinician, and the term “distal”refers to a portion that is further from the clinician. As used herein,the term “subject” refers to a patient that receives infusions or hasblood and/or fluid collected therefrom using the safety shield.According to the present disclosure, the term “clinician” refers to anindividual administering an infusion, performing fluid sampling,installing or removing a needle cannula from a safety shield and mayinclude support personnel.

The following discussion includes a description of the safety shield,followed by a description of the method of operating the safety shieldin accordance with the present disclosure. Reference will now be made indetail to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which areillustrated in the accompanying figures.

Turning now to the figures, wherein like components are designated bylike reference numerals throughout the several views. Referringinitially to FIGS. 1-7, there is illustrated a safety shield 20including a protective device, constructed in accordance with theprincipals of the present disclosure. Safety shield 20 includes apiercing member, such as, for example, needle cannula 22. Needle cannula22 has a proximal end, such as, for example, hub 24, a distal end 26 anddefines a longitudinal axis x. It is contemplated that the piercingmember may alternatively include, such as, for example, hypodermicneedles, biopsy needles, intravenous (IV) introducers, trocars, guidewires, thoracentesis needles, etc. It is further contemplated thatneedle cannula 22 has a smooth outer surface. Safety shield 20 isadvantageously configured to provide passive protection followingremoval of a piercing member upon removal from a subject.

A clip 28 defines a first cavity, such as, for example, aperture 30 thatis dimensioned for movement of needle cannula 22 therethrough. Aperture30 is oriented in an axis y transverse to longitudinal axis x. Axis y isoriented at an angle of approximately 90° relative to longitudinal axisx. Aperture 30 is disposed for movement, such as, for example,rotational movement between a movable orientation, such as, for example,a sliding orientation (FIG. 4), corresponding to axis y and a bindingorientation (FIG. 5), corresponding to an inclination a relative to axisy. It is envisioned that aperture 30 may be oriented at various degreesof inclination a, according to the requirements of a particularapplication.

Clip 28 includes a first leg 32 that defines a second cavity, such as,for example, aperture 34 dimensioned for movement of needle cannula 22therethrough. First leg 32 has a distal part 36 that is configured toengage a medical device, such as, for example, a catheter 38. Clip 28includes a second leg 40 having a bearing surface 42 that engages needlecannula 22. First leg 32 and second leg 40 are resiliently biased forconvergent movement such that aperture 30 is disposed in the bindingorientation and distal part 36 disengages catheter 38, as will bediscussed. This configuration advantageously reduces the occurrence ofinadvertent or undesired stick to a clinician from a contaminatedpiercing member to reduce exposure to pathogens. It is envisioned thatlegs 32, 40 may be monolithically formed, integrally connected, hingedlyattached, etc. with clip 28. It is contemplated that the safety shieldof the present disclosure may be employed with various medical devicessuch as, for example, fluid infusion, fluid collection, guidewireintroducers, spinal and epidural, biopsy, thoracentesis, aphaeresis,dialysis, blood donor, Veress needles, Huber needles, etc.

The components of safety shield 20 can be fabricated from a materialsuitable for medical applications, such as, for example, polymerics ormetals, such as stainless steel, depending on the particular medicalapplication and/or preference of a clinician. Semi-rigid and rigidpolymerics are contemplated for fabrication, as well as resilientmaterials, such as molded medical grade polypropylene. However, oneskilled in the art will realize that other materials and fabricationmethods suitable for assembly and manufacture, in accordance with thepresent disclosure, also would be appropriate.

The protective device of safety shield 20 includes a housing 44 thatsupports clip 28. Housing 44 has an outer surface 46 and includes a topsection 48 and a bottom section 50. Housing 44 is movable between anretracted position (FIG. 6), whereby distal end 26 of needle cannula 22is exposed and an extended position (FIG. 7), whereby distal end 26 ofneedle cannula 22 is enclosed within housing 44. Housing 44 issubstantially transparent and defines a flash chamber 52 for visualizingfluid backup upon insertion of catheter 38 with a subject.

It is envisioned that housing sections 48, 50 may be variouslyconfigured and dimensioned such as, for example, rectangular, spherical,etc. It is further envisioned that housing sections 48, 50 may be joinedby any process such as, for example, snap fit, adhesive, solvent weld,thermal weld, ultrasonic weld, screw, rivet, etc. Alternatively, housing44 may be monolithically formed or integrally assembled of multiplehousing sections and may be substantially non-transparent, opaque, etc.Housing sections 48, 50 may include ribs, ridges, etc. to facilitatemanipulation of safety shield 20.

Catheter 38 includes a catheter hub 54 that is disposed about needlecannula 22. Clip 28 releasably retains catheter hub 54 with housing 44.Catheter 38 has an introducer 56 that extends from catheter hub 54 forslidable support of needle cannula 22 and percutaneous application witha subject (not shown). Introducer 56 has a distal end 58 that may beprotected with a separate protective device, such as, for example, thesafety shield disclosed herein. The outer surface of catheter hub 54facilitates manipulation of catheter 38.

Clip 28 is monolithically formed and includes an aperture plate 60 thatdefines aperture 30. Aperture 30 is oriented substantially perpendicularto legs 32, 40 in the sliding orientation. Aperture plate 60 has arectangular, generally planar configuration with sufficient stiffness toproduce forces for binding needle cannula 22, as will be discussed. Itis contemplated that aperture plate 60 has a greater relative rigiditythan legs 32, 40. It is envisioned that aperture plate 60 may have anarcuate surface, undulating, etc. It is further envisioned that apertureplate 60 may have various degrees of stiffness according to therequirements of a particular application.

Aperture 30 is formed within aperture plate 60 for slideable engagementwith needle cannula 22 during movement between the retracted positionand the extended position of housing 44. Aperture 30 and aperture plate60 are oriented substantially perpendicular to needle cannula 22 suchthat clip 28 moves freely therealong. Aperture 30 includes bindingsurface 62 formed thereabout that engages needle cannula 22 to preventmovement thereof in the extended position of housing 44. In the extendedposition, as will be discussed, aperture 30 inclines or tilts, relativeto longitudinal axis x, to the binding orientation such that bindingsurface 62 engages or bites into the outer surface of needle cannula 22.

Binding of aperture 30 with needle cannula 22 is facilitated by thefriction force generated between binding surface 62 and needle cannula22. This frictional engagement prevents axial movement of needle cannula22, in a proximal or distal direction, relative to housing 44 in theextended position. This configuration advantageously prevents hazardousexposure to needle cannula 22. It is contemplated that binding surface62 may include sharp edges to increase frictional engagement. It isfurther contemplated that the friction force may be varied by alteringfactors, such as, for example, aperture 30 dimension, needle cannula 22diameter, aperture plate 60 thickness, etc., depending on the particularrequirements of an application.

It is contemplated that engagement to prevent movement of needle cannula22 may include penetrating, interference, etc. It is envisioned thataperture 30 may have various geometric configurations, such as radial,polygonal, etc. It is further envisioned that aperture 30 may define anopen cavity within aperture plate 60, such as, for example, “U” shaped,slot (FIG. 9), open to one or a plurality of edges of aperture plate 60,etc.

In the sliding orientation, first leg 32 extends distally from apertureplate 60. First leg 32 has a proximal part 64 that is perpendicularlyoriented relative to axis y of aperture plate 30. This perpendicularorientation facilitates inclination of aperture plate 60 for disposal ina sliding orientation or a binding orientation. It is envisioned thatfirst leg 32 may be variously oriented with aperture plate 60 and mayflexibly extend therefrom.

Distal part 36 of first leg 32 includes a transverse portion 66 thatdefines aperture 34. Aperture 34 is formed within transverse portion 66for slideable engagement with needle cannula 22 during movement betweenthe retracted position and the extended position of housing 44. It isenvisioned that aperture 34 may have various geometric configurations,such as radial, polygonal, etc. It is further envisioned that aperture34 may define an open cavity within transverse portion 66, such as, forexample, “U” shaped, slot, open to one or a plurality of edges oftransverse portion 66, etc.

Legs 32 and 40 are biased for convergent movement, which causes leg 32to move transverse to longitudinal axis x. In the sliding orientation,needle cannula 22 is disposed in aperture 34 to prevent such transversemovement of first leg 32. Distal part 36 includes an arm 68 that isconfigured to releasably retain catheter hub 54 with outer surface 46 ofhousing 44. In the sliding orientation, arm 68 is disposed such that ahook portion 70 thereof captures a flange 72 of catheter hub 54. In thebinding orientation, needle cannula 22 passes out of aperture 34 anddistal part 36 is free to move transversely due to the bias of legs 32,40. Hook portion 70 similarly moves transversely to release flange 72.Catheter 38 is then separable from housing 44.

Distal part 36 also includes a clearance opening 35 disposed adjacentand distal to distal end 26 of needle cannula 22. In the bindingorientation, distal end 26 is in longitudinal alignment with clearanceopening 35. Clearance opening 35 prevents engagement of distal part 36with distal end 26. It is contemplated that distal part 36 does notinclude clearance opening 35.

In the sliding orientation, second leg 40 extends distally from apertureplate 60. Second leg 40 has a proximal part 74 that is perpendicularlyoriented relative to axis y of aperture plate 60. This perpendicularorientation facilitates inclination of aperture plate 60 for disposal ina sliding orientation or a binding orientation. It is envisioned thatsecond leg 40 may be variously oriented with aperture plate 60 and mayflexibly extend therefrom.

In the sliding orientation, bearing surface 42 engages the outer surfaceof needle cannula 22 to balance the convergent spring forces generatedby legs 32, 40. Correspondingly, legs 32, 40 are balanced about needlecannula 22 such that aperture 30 of aperture plate 60 is maintained in asliding orientation. In the binding orientation, needle cannula 22passes out of aperture 34 and bearing surface 42 facilitates inclinationof clip 28. As legs 32, 40 convergently bias, bearing surface 42 engagesneedle cannula 22 causing clip 28 to rotate, relative to longitudinalaxis x, aperture 30 into the binding orientation with needle cannula 22.Bearing surface 42 also engages needle cannula 22 in the bindingorientation to prevent movement of needle cannula 22 in the proximal anddistal directions. This configuration advantageously locks distal end 26of needle cannula 22 in a protected configuration without requiring anyperturbations on the outer surface of the needle.

Clip 28 also includes a transition portion 76 that connects apertureplate 60 with first leg 32. Transition portion 76 is configured toengage an inner surface 78 of housing 44 to facilitate rotation,relative to longitudinal axis x, of aperture 30. Transition portion 76engages inner surface 78 to augment gripping engagement of surface 62 ofaperture 30 with needle cannula 22. Similarly, housing 44 includes innersurfaces 80, 82, 84 that are configured to engage correspondinglyadjacent portions of clip 28. Clip 28 engages inner surfaces 80, 82, 84to prevent separation of clip 28 and needle cannula 22, as well asre-exposure of distal end 26.

It is contemplated, however, that clip 28 of safety shield 20 may beemployed to provide protective safety features without a protectivedevice, such as, for example, housing 44. For example, clip 28 may beused as a free standing structure employable with a particular medicaldevice, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of clip 28 is shown thatincludes a first leg 132 and a second leg 140. Legs 132, 140 float onopposing sides of a piercing member (not shown) configured for slidablemovement through an aperture 130 defined in an aperture plate 160. Clip28 includes a bearing surface 142 and a hook portion 170, similar tothose elements described above. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9,aperture plate 160 defines a slot 230. Slot 230 enables a piercingmember, such as, for example, needle cannula 22 described above, to bedisposed therein. Such a configuration advantageously minimizespotential damage to distal end 26 of needle cannula 22.

Referring to FIG. 10, another alternate embodiment of clip 28 is shownthat includes a first leg 332 and a second leg 340. Clip 28 defines anaperture 330 in an aperture plate 360. Aperture 330 is dimensioned forslidable movement of a piercing member (not shown) therethrough, similarto that described above, and oriented in an axis perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the piercing member, in the sliding orientation.

First leg 332 has an arcuate proximal part 364 and a distal part 336.Distal part 336 defines a slot 334 and a hook portion 370, similar tothose elements described above. Second leg 340 has an arcuate proximalpart 374 and a bearing surface 342 that engages the piercing member,similar to bearing surface 42 described above. The distal portion ofsecond leg 340 releasably engages a catch 333 of first leg 332 duringslidable movement of the piercing member to maintain clip 28 in theslidable orientation. In the binding orientation of clip 28 similar tothat described, legs 332, 340 bias for convergent movement such that leg332 moves transversely and down. The distal portion of second leg 340 isthereby released and disengages from catch 333 to facilitate rotation offirst leg 332 and aperture 330 to the binding orientation. Hook portion370 releases the medical device attached thereto.

In operation, safety shield 20, similar to that described in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure and FIGS. 1-7, is providedfor employment with catheter 38. The components of safety shield 20 arefabricated, properly sterilized and otherwise prepared for storage,shipment and use. It is contemplated that safety shield 20 and a medicaldevice employed therewith are prepared in a ready to use configurationsuch that housing 44 is in the retracted position and distal end 26 ofneedle cannula 22 is exposed beyond distal end 58 of introducer 56. Itis envisioned that safety shield 20 may be prepared in alternate pre useconfigurations.

Catheter 38 is retained with safety shield 20 via releasable capture ofcatheter flange 72 by hook portion 70. The clinician (not shown)manipulates safety shield 20 and catheter 38 as a unit. Housing 44 is inthe retracted position and aperture 30 of clip 28 is in a slidingorientation, as described above and shown in FIG. 6. Needle cannula 22is fully extended relative to safety shield 20 such that introducer 56of catheter 38 is disposed about needle cannula 22. Catheter 38 isinserted into a subject, as is known to one skilled in the art.Alternate medical devices may be employed with safety shield 20 toperform corresponding medical procedures by a clinician, as describedabove.

Upon completion of the medical procedure employing catheter 38, theclinician manipulates hub 24 with one hand and manipulates housing44/catheter hub 54 with the other hand. Needle cannula 22, viamanipulation of hub 24, is retracted proximally such that housing 44 isextended toward the extended position. Aperture 30 of clip 28 ismaintained in the sliding orientation such that needle cannula 22 slidesthrough apertures 30, 34. Legs 32, 40 extend from aperture plate 60parallel to longitudinal axis x. In this configuration, legs 32, 40balance about needle cannula 22 via engagement with bearing surface 42to facilitate slidable movement, as described above.

As housing 44 is manipulated to the extended position, needle cannula 22clears aperture 34, as shown in FIG. 7. Legs 32, 40 convergently biassuch that bearing surface 42 engages needle cannula 22 causing clip 28to rotate aperture plate 60 an inclination a (FIG. 3), relative tolongitudinal axis y, as described. Correspondingly, aperture 30 rotatesinto the binding orientation with needle cannula 22 such that surface 62binds against the outer surface of needle cannula 22.

The binding engagement of surface 62 with needle cannula 22 capturesdistal end 26 in a protective configuration that prevents proximal anddistal movement thereof relative to clip 28. Bearing surface 42 alsoengages needle cannula 22 in the binding orientation to prevent movementof needle cannula 22 in the proximal and distal directions. Transitionportion 76 engages inner surface 78 of housing 44 to augment grippingengagement of surface 62 with needle cannula 22. Inner surfaces 80, 82,84 of housing 44 engage adjacent portions of clip 28 to preventseparation of clip 28 and needle cannula 22, as well as re-exposure ofdistal end 26. Thus, if housing 44 is dropped or inadvertently pushed orpulled, distal end 26 will not be removed from the protectiveconfiguration.

As legs 32, 40 convergently bias, hook portion 70 moves transversely torelease flange 72 of catheter hub 54, as discussed above. Catheter 38 isthus separable from safety shield 20 and needle cannula 22 isprotectively captured by clip 28 and housing 44. Safety shield 20 may bediscarded.

Referring to FIGS. 11-14, another alternate embodiment of clip 28 isshown that includes a first leg 432 and a second leg 440, similar tothose described above. Clip 28 includes an aperture plate 460 thatdefines an aperture 430. Aperture 430 is formed within aperture plate460 for slideable engagement with a needle cannula 422 during movementbetween the retracted position and the extended position of housing 44(not shown). Aperture 430 and aperture plate 460 are oriented at anangle, relative to longitudinal axis x, such that clip 28 moves freelyalong needle cannula 422 in the sliding orientation as shown in FIG. 11.Aperture 430 includes flared binding surfaces 462 formed thereabout thatengage needle cannula 422 to prevent proximal and distal movementthereof in the extended position of housing 44. In the extendedposition, aperture 430 is rotated to the binding orientation (FIG. 12),substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis x, such that flaredbinding surfaces 462 engage or bite into the outer surface of needlecannula 422, similar to that described above.

In the sliding orientation, first leg 432 extends distally from apertureplate 460. First leg 432 has a proximal part 464 that extends alonglongitudinal axis x. A distal part 436 of first leg 432 includes a firsttransverse portion 466 and a second transverse portion 467. Firsttransverse portion 466 defines apertures 434, 435 and second transverseportion defines apertures 434A and 435A. Apertures 434, 434A areconfigured for slideable engagement with needle cannula 422 duringmovement between the retracted position and the extended position ofhousing 44. Apertures 435, 435A are disposed adjacent and distal to adistal end of needle cannula 422 in the binding orientation. In thebinding orientation as shown in FIG. 12, the distal end of needlecannula 422 is in longitudinal alignment with apertures 435, 435A.Apertures 435, 435A prevent engagement of distal part 436 with thedistal end of needle cannula 422.

In the sliding orientation, second leg 440 extends distally at an angle,relative to longitudinal axis x, from aperture plate 460. Second leg 440has an aperture 474 configured for slideable engagement with needlecannula 422 such that clip 28 moves freely therealong in the slidingorientation as shown in FIG. 13. Aperture 474 includes flared bindingsurfaces 475 formed thereabout that engage needle cannula 422 to preventproximal and distal movement thereof in the extended position of housing44. In the extended position, aperture 474 is rotated to an orientationthat is substantially perpendicular, relative to longitudinal axis x, inthe binding orientation such that flared binding surfaces 475 engage orbite into the outer surface of needle cannula 422 (FIG. 14), similar tothat described above.

Needle cannula 422 is disposed within apertures 430, 474, 434, 434A tobalance the expansive spring force generated by leg 432 and theconvergent spring force generated by leg 440. In the bindingorientation, needle cannula 422 passes out of apertures 434, 434A tofacilitate inclination of clip 28. As leg 432 expands, clip 28 rotates,relative to longitudinal axis x, and leg 440 converges to aperture plate460 such that apertures 430, 474 rotate into the binding orientationwith needle cannula 422.

The distal portion of second leg 440 releasably engages a catch 433 offirst leg 432 during slidable movement of needle cannula 422 to maintainclip 28 in the slidable orientation. In the binding orientation, thedistal portion of second leg 440 releases and disengages from catch 433to facilitate rotation of first leg 432 and convergence of leg 440.

In the sliding orientation, needle cannula 422 is disposed in apertures434, 434A to prevent transverse movement of first leg 432. Distal part436 includes a hook portion 470 that captures a medical device (notshown) attached to housing 44, similar to that described above. In thebinding orientation, needle cannula 422 passes out of apertures 434,434A and distal part 436 is free to move transversely due to theexpansion of leg 432. Hook portion 470 similarly moves transversely torelease the medical device, which is then separable from housing 44.

Referring to FIGS. 15-18, another alternate embodiment of clip 28 isshown that includes a first leg 532 and a second leg 540, similar tothose described above. Clip 28 includes an aperture plate 560 thatdefines an aperture 530. Aperture 530 is formed within aperture plate560 for slideable engagement with a needle cannula 522 during movementbetween the retracted position and the extended position of housing 44(not shown). Aperture 530 and aperture plate 560 are oriented at anangle, relative to longitudinal axis x, such that clip 28 moves freelyalong needle cannula 522 in the sliding orientation as shown in FIG. 15.Aperture 530 includes flared binding surfaces 562 formed thereabout thatengage needle cannula 522 to prevent proximal and distal movementthereof in the extended position of housing 44. In the extendedposition, aperture 530 is rotated to the binding orientation (FIG. 17),substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis x, such that flaredbinding surfaces 562 engage or bite into the outer surface of needlecannula 522, similar to that described above.

In the sliding orientation, first leg 532 extends distally from apertureplate 560. First leg 532 has a proximal part 564 that extends alonglongitudinal axis x. A distal part 536 of first leg 532 includes atransverse portion 566. Transverse portion 566 defines an aperture 534.Aperture 534 is formed within transverse portion 566 for slideableengagement with needle cannula 522 during movement between the retractedposition and the extended position of housing 44.

In the sliding orientation, second leg 540 extends distally at an angle,relative to longitudinal axis x, from aperture plate 560. Second leg 540has an aperture 574 configured for slideable engagement with needlecannula 522 such that clip 28 moves freely therealong in the slidingorientation as shown in FIG. 15. Aperture 574 includes flared bindingsurfaces 575 formed thereabout that engage needle cannula 522 to preventproximal and distal movement thereof in the extended position of housing44. In the extended position, aperture 574 is rotated to an orientationthat is substantially perpendicular, relative to longitudinal axis x, inthe binding orientation such that flared binding surfaces 575 engage orbite into the outer surface of needle cannula 522, similar to thatdescribed above.

Needle cannula 522 is disposed within apertures 530, 574, 534 to balancethe convergent spring forces generated by legs 532, 540. In the bindingorientation, needle cannula 522 passes out of aperture 534 to facilitateinclination of clip 28. As leg 532 converges, clip 28 rotates, relativeto longitudinal axis x, and leg 540 converges to aperture plate 560 suchthat aperture 530, 574 rotate into the binding orientation with needlecannula 522.

A distal portion 541 of second leg 540 releasably engages a catch 533 offirst leg 532 (FIG. 16) during slidable movement of needle cannula 522to maintain clip 28 in the slidable orientation. Catch 533 is disposedwithin a channel 535 defined within proximal part 564. In the bindingorientation, first leg 532 moves transverse to longitudinal axis x suchthat distal portion 541 releases and disengages from catch 533 (FIG. 18)to facilitate convergence of leg 540.

In the sliding orientation, needle cannula 522 is disposed in aperture534 to prevent transverse movement of first leg 532. Distal part 536includes a hook portion 570 that captures a medical device (not shown)attached to housing 44, similar to that described above. In the bindingorientation, needle cannula 522 passes out of aperture 534 and distalpart 536 is free to move transversely due to the convergence of leg 532.Hook portion 570 similarly moves transversely to release the medicaldevice, which is then separable from housing 44.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of thevarious embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

1. A safety shield comprising: a piercing member having a distal end anddefining a longitudinal axis; and a clip defining a first cavitydimensioned for movement of the piercing member therethrough and beingoriented in an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the piercingmember, the first cavity being movable between a movable orientation anda binding orientation; the clip including a first leg that defines asecond cavity dimensioned for movement of the piercing membertherethrough and a distal part being configured to engage a medicaldevice, the clip further including a second leg having a bearing surfacethat engages the piercing member; wherein the first leg and the secondleg are biased for convergent movement such that the first cavity isdisposed in the binding orientation and the distal part of the first legdisengages the medical device.
 2. A safety shield as recited in claim 1,wherein the first cavity is rotatable relative to the longitudinal axisof the piercing member.
 3. A safety shield as recited in claim 1,wherein the first cavity defines a binding surface that engages thepiercing member in the binding orientation.
 4. A safety shield asrecited in claim 1, wherein the clip further includes a plate thatdefines the first cavity and is oriented substantially perpendicular tothe legs.
 5. A safety shield as recited in claim 1, wherein the firstleg has a proximal part that is oriented substantially perpendicular tothe transverse axis of the first cavity in the movable orientation.
 6. Asafety shield as recited in claim 1, wherein the second leg has aproximal part that is oriented substantially perpendicular to thetransverse axis of the first cavity in the movable orientation.
 7. Asafety shield as recited in claim 1, wherein the distal part of thefirst leg includes a transverse portion that defines the second cavity.8. A safety shield as recited in claim 1, wherein the distal part of thefirst leg includes an arm configured to releasably retain the medicaldevice.
 9. A safety shield as recited in claim 1, wherein the clip isdisposed within a housing.
 10. A safety shield as recited in claim 9,wherein the housing is movable between a retracted position whereby thedistal end of the piercing member is exposed and an extended positionwhereby the housing encloses the distal end of the piercing member. 11.A safety shield as recited in claim 9, wherein the clip releasablyretains the medical device with the housing.
 12. A safety shield asrecited in claim 9, wherein the housing is substantially transparent.13. A safety shield as recited in claim 9, wherein the housing includesa flash chamber.
 14. A safety shield as recited in claim 1, wherein themedical device includes a catheter.
 15. A safety shield comprising: apiercing member having a proximal end, a distal end and defining alongitudinal axis; a housing having an outer surface; and a clipincluding a plate oriented in an axis transverse to the longitudinalaxis of the piercing member and defining a cavity dimensioned formovement of the piercing member therethrough, the cavity of the platebeing rotatable, relative to the longitudinal axis of the piercingmember, between a sliding orientation and a binding orientation wherebya surface of the plate that defines the cavity engages the piercingmember to prevent slidable movement thereof, the clip including a firstleg extending from the plate and having a proximal part and a distalpart, the distal part defining a cavity dimensioned for movement of thepiercing member therethrough and being configured to engage a medicaldevice, the clip including a second leg that extends from the plate andhas a proximal part and a distal part, the distal part of the second legincluding a bearing surface that engages the piercing member; whereinthe legs are resiliently biased for convergent movement such that thefirst cavity is disposed in the binding orientation and the distal partof the first leg disengages the medical device.
 16. A safety shield asrecited in claim 15, wherein the piercing member is disposed within thecavity of the first leg to prevent convergent movement of the legs. 17.A safety shield as recited in claim 15, wherein the housing is movablebetween a retracted position whereby the distal end of the piercingmember is exposed and an extended position whereby the distal end of thepiercing member is enclosed within the housing.
 18. A safety shield asrecited in claim 15, wherein the distal part of the first leg includesan arm being configured to releasably retain the medical device with theouter surface of the housing.
 19. A safety shield as recited in claim15, wherein the bearing surface of the second leg engages the piercingmember in the binding orientation to prevent movement of the piercingmember.
 20. A safety needle shield apparatus comprising: a needle havinga proximal end, a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis; a housinghaving an outer surface and being movable between an retracted positionwhereby the distal end of the needle is exposed and an extended positionwhereby the distal end of the piercing member is enclosed within thehousing, the housing being substantially transparent and defining aflash chamber; and a clip including a plate oriented in an axistransverse to the longitudinal axis of the needle and defining a slotdimensioned for movement of the needle therethrough, the cavity of theplate being rotatable, relative to the longitudinal axis of the needle,between a sliding orientation and a binding orientation whereby asurface of the plate that defines the cavity engages the needle toprevent slidable movement thereof, the clip including a first legextending from the plate and having a proximal part and a distal part,the distal part defining a cavity dimensioned for movement of the needletherethrough such that disposal of the needle in the cavity of thedistal part prevents transverse movement of the first leg, the distalpart of the first leg including an arm configured to releasably retain acatheter hub with the outer surface of the housing, the clip furtherincluding a second leg that extends from the plate and has a proximalpart and a distal part, the distal part of the second leg including abearing surface that engages the needle, wherein the legs areresiliently biased for convergent movement such that the first cavity isdisposed in the binding orientation and the arm of the first legreleases the catheter hub, the bearing surface of the second leg engagesthe needle in the binding orientation to prevent movement of the needle.21. A safety needle shield as recited in claim 15, wherein the clipfurther includes a transition portion that connects the plate with thefirst leg, the transition portion being configured to engage an innersurface of the housing to facilitate rotation of the cavity of theplate.
 22. A safety needle shield as recited in claim 21, wherein thetransition portion engages the inner surface of the housing tofacilitate gripping engagement of the cavity of the plate with theneedle.
 23. A safety needle shield as recited in claim 1, wherein thefirst cavity includes a slot.
 24. A safety needle shield as recited inclaim 1, wherein the cavity of the plate includes a slot configuration.25. A safety needle shield as recited in claim 4, wherein the plate hasa greater relative rigidity than the legs.
 26. A safety needle shieldcomprising: a needle having a distal end and defining a longitudinalaxis; and a clip defining a first cavity dimensioned for movement of theneedle therethrough, oriented in an axis transverse to the longitudinalaxis of the needle, the first cavity being movable between a movableorientation and a binding orientation; the clip including a first legthat defines a second cavity dimensioned for movement of the needletherethrough and a distal part being configured to engage a medicaldevice, the clip further including a second leg having a bearing surfacethat engages the needle, the distal part of the first leg releasablyengaging the second leg in the movable orientation; wherein the firstleg and the second leg are biased for convergent movement such that thefirst cavity is disposed in the binding orientation and the distal partof the first leg disengages from the second leg and the medical device.27. A medical clip adapted for use with a piercing member having adistal end and defining a longitudinal axis, the clip comprising: afirst cavity dimensioned for movement of the piercing membertherethrough and being oriented in an axis transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the piercing member, the first cavity beingrotatable, relative to the longitudinal axis of the piercing member,between a movable orientation and a binding orientation; a first legthat defines a distal part extending therefrom and a second cavity, thesecond cavity being disposed distal to the first cavity and dimensionedfor movement of the piercing member therethrough; and a second leghaving a surface configured to engage the piercing member, wherein thefirst leg and the second leg are, relative to the first and second legs,biased for convergent movement such that the first cavity is disposed inthe binding orientation upon movement of the piercing member out of thesecond cavity.
 28. A medical clip as recited in claim 27, wherein theclip further includes a plate having the first leg and the second legextending therefrom, the plate defining the first cavity.
 29. A medicalclip as recited in claim 27, wherein the first cavity defines a bindingsurface that engages the piercing member in the binding orientation toprevent movement of the piercing member.
 30. A medical clip as recitedin claim 29, wherein the binding surface has a flared configuration thatfacilitates movement of the piercing member in the movable orientationand engages the piercing member to prevent movement of the piercingmember in the binding orientation.
 31. A medical clip as recited inclaim 27, wherein the distal part of the first leg includes a transverseportion that defines the second cavity.
 32. A medical clip as recited inclaim 27, wherein the distal part includes a first transverse portionand a second transverse portion extending therefrom, the second cavityincluding separate aligned apertures defined within the first transverseportion and the second transverse portion.
 33. A medical clip as recitedin claim 27, wherein the second leg defines a cavity that is rotatable,relative to the longitudinal axis of the piercing member, between amovable orientation and a binding orientation, the cavity of the secondleg defining a binding surface that engages the piercing member in thebinding orientation to prevent movement of the piercing member.
 34. Amedical clip as recited in claim 33, wherein the binding surface of thecavity of the second leg has a flared configuration that facilitatesmovement of the piercing member in the movable orientation and engagesthe piercing member to prevent movement of the piercing member in thebinding orientation.
 35. A medical clip as recited in claim 33, whereina distal portion of the second leg releasably engages a catch of thefirst leg to facilitate movement of the piercing member in the movableorientation.
 36. A medical clip as recited in claim 33, wherein a distalportion of the second leg has a catch that releasably engages and isdisposed within a channel defined within the first leg, in the movableorientation.
 37. A medical clip as recited in claim 27, wherein thedistal part includes a first transverse portion and a second transverseportion extending therefrom, the second transverse portion defining athird cavity that is aligned with the second cavity and dimensioned formovement of the piercing member therethrough.